NANDI, KENYA: Leaders from the political divide are outraged by remarks leveled against vocal Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter by National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale.
The leaders from the North Rift region said it was disrespectful for Duale to refer to his fellow legislator as ‘Bubu’ (dumb) who could not speak in parliament.
They asked Duale to apologise to Nandi Hills electorates and their MP Mr Keter for the remarks he made in Kericho during a function that was also attended by Deputy President (DP) William Ruto.
Members of Parliament (MPs) Julius Melly (Tinderet), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei) and ODM officials David Songok and Kipkorir Menjo who spoke separately said Duale’s remarks were irresponsible.
“Kalenjin leaders are not dumb and we will not be stopped from raising concerns touching on our people. When Duale’s people had problems recently, he came out strongly and nobody accused him,” said Melly who referred to the recent crackdown on terrorism.
Melly said Duale was insensitive both to Keter, the electorates of Nandi Hills as well as to people with disabilities and the majority leader should apologise.
“As an independent leader, I did not like the remark by Duale. He stooped too low,” said Melly who added that the impeachment process of Devolution Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ann Waiguru is going on.
Lagat said leaders should respect one another adding: “Nobody should accuse us when we speak the truth. Duale is not a roll call keeper in parliament and infact Keter has made contributions”.
Songok said the electorates in Nandi Hills elected Keter to represent them in the National Assembly and it is ‘regrettable that Duale made disrespectful remarks against him’.
During the homecoming ceremony of Kericho women representative Hellen Chepkwony, Duale claimed Keter makes no contribution on serious issues in parliament and when serious debates are tabled, he goes to the toilet.
“Akiambiwa kuna hoja kali bungeni, huyu mtu anaitwa Alfred Keter ni bubu, anajificha kwa choo (When told there is a serious debate, this person called Alfred Keter is dumb, he hides in the toilet),” said Duale.
Keter has been viewed as a rebellious leader to Jubilee administration. He has claimed that the URP partner in the government has been short-changed in public appointments.
The recent transfer of former NYS Director General Kiplimo Rugut has energised Keter’s stand who has stated that members of the Kalenjin community are shoved from office.
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